Research shows that up to 80% of internet users make at least one online purchase in their lifetime. This statistic explains the trend by most businesses to launch online stores. They are simple and cheap to set-up compared to the brick and mortar methods, and retailers can reach more customers within a short period. In fact, marketers predict a surge in e-commerce sales by up to $523 billion in the next few years. These are some pretty great facts for any retailer who wants to set-up an online store, but research also shows many e-commerce businesses do not make profits. Some cite ineffective marketing campaigns while others have poor business operations. Savvy entrepreneurs share their insights on how to improve the chances of success of their online stores by doing these 7 things when starting an online store.

Choose your System Carefully

Naturally, retailers will follow what other retailers are doing. However, some companies use specialized custom solutions developed on old systems that may not support your business. As such, any online startup business should choose a popular system that is well-supported. It should also produce attractive shops and have a good community. Retailers who don’t want to use codes can choose hosted platforms like Shopify.

Pay Special Attention to SEO

A while ago, developing SEO optimized content for an online store was pretty easy. However, with the unpredictable changes in Google algorithms, it has become difficult to create unique content for the stores without duplication. It does not render SEO impractical; in fact, it is the most important tool for stores that want to improve their ranking and visibility. [Read more…]

Creating a business is not easy. Creating a successful business at times may seem all but impossible. Proof of this can be seen by the number of small businesses that are created every single year and then fail. While there are a lot of factors that contribute to the success or failure of a business, one of the major contributing factors is branding.

When people think about branding, they mistakenly believe that it is just creating a local or a graphic element that represents their business. In truth, branding includes the entire experience that your customers have when they interact with your business. This encompasses everything including your logo, social media, your company’s website, what your employees say when they pick up the telephone, the personalized packing tape they see when your business sends them a product, and the way your staff interacts with customers. Branding is what makes your business unique. It is what makes it different from all of the other businesses that are currently out there. Branding is what influences the perception that your customers have when they think about you and your business.

image by everydayplus from freedigitalphotos.net

It’s important to understand that branding is not something that happens by accident. It requires planning, creativity, and hard work. When you see a company that has a good brand, it is the result of a well thought out and strategic plan. Unfortunately, many small businesses avoid spending the time, money, and energy needed to successfully brand themselves. They do not understand how important this aspect of marketing is for the future success of their business.

One reason why branding is key is because people are likely to do business with a company that they feel an emotional attachment to and that they are familiar with. When a business is easy to recognize and when the colors, logos, and slogans attached to the business are consistent, people feel more at ease when purchasing services from said company.

A second reason why branding is key is because it allows your business to distinguish itself from the competition. This is very important especially now that businesses are competing on a global scale. Your business is not just competing with the brick-and-mortar store that is on your same street. It is also competing with the thousands of online stores that sell products very similar to yours.

Creating the right brand is not easy. It requires strategy. But in the end, it pays off.

When you are in charge of making sure that your company’s equipment works properly, you may need to stock up on parts like medical casters and other components that make pushing and pulling heavy carts and equipment easier. The people in charge of transporting this equipment may be hurt or even punished for not making important deadlines if the carts that they are pushing and pulling fail to work properly. When you want to keep these items in good working order, you can find parts to repair or upgrade them online.

Starting a non-profit can be an effective way to make changes for a cause you believe in and support. Many people turn their passion into their life’s work through the formation of a foundation or other organization. People like Activision Blizzard CEO, Bobby Kotick, who founded a non-profit for veterans, are making a difference every day. With determination and effort, almost anyone can do something similar. There are some important steps to starting a non-profit organization you should know in advance in order to make your journey a smooth one.

Take Time to Research

There are over a million non-profits in the United States. In order to increase the chances of yours being successful, it’s important to be sure there is a need for your particular group and that its purpose is not being duplicated elsewhere. Check out the website Guidestar.org to research the existing non-profit center in your niche. If there are others, that doesn’t mean yours isn’t needed. You may intend to go in a different direction or serve a particular segment of the population. However, taking time to see what’s out there will help to strengthen and shape your idea.

Create a Business Plan

A non-profit agency is, in effect, a business. Therefore, you should have a business plan in place to ensure you are on the right track and to convince investors of your organization’s merits. Your plan is essential when applying for funding no matter which avenue you seek. In addition, potential board members and volunteers will be more apt to sign up to help when you demonstrate your professionalism, as well as your investment.

Complete Required Paperwork

You will want to incorporate your non-profit as you would with any business in order to qualify for certain privileges and protections. In addition, obtaining 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status is imperative. The paperwork involved can seem in-depth, but it is definitely worth completing in order to make your status official. The creation of by-laws and board of directors is necessary in order to provide accountability as a genuine entity. Finally, check with your state to determine if you will need to apply for additional permits or licenses. [Read more…]